Description
This Creamy Winter Vegetable Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring a medley of tender winter vegetables baked in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce and topped with a crispy, buttery breadcrumb and cheese crust, this casserole offers a flavorful way to enjoy seasonal produce. It’s easy to prepare and makes a satisfying side or light main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups mixed winter vegetables (diced carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts)
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) low-fat cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk
Cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
Topping
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko style)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If your winter vegetables are not pre-cooked, steam or blanch them lightly until just tender but still firm.
- Make the sauce mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the low-fat cream of mushroom soup with whole milk or plant-based milk. Stir in dried thyme, garlic powder, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste until well blended.
- Combine vegetables and sauce: Add the prepared mixed winter vegetables to the sauce mixture and gently stir to coat all the vegetables evenly.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the vegetable and sauce mixture into a lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare and add topping: Mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking to let it set. Serve warm as a comforting side dish or a light vegetarian main course.
Notes
- You can substitute the mixed winter vegetables with any seasonal vegetables you prefer.
- For a dairy-free version, choose plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives.
- Adding nuts like toasted walnuts or pecans to the topping can provide extra texture and flavor.
- Make sure to adjust salt depending on the saltiness of the cream of mushroom soup used.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
Keywords: winter vegetable casserole, creamy vegetable casserole, baked vegetable dish, vegetarian casserole, comfort food, winter vegetables